Lubrication Technology
Tribology
Science of friction, wear, and lubrication at surfaces in relative motion — the scientific foundation for selecting lubricants, surface coatings, and bearing concepts.
Definition
| State | Friction Coefficient | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Friction | 0.1–0.5 | No lubricant film, high wear |
| Mixed Friction | 0.02–0.1 | Partial lubricant film, partial contact |
| Hydrodynamics | 0.001–0.01 | Full lubricant film |
Practical Relevance
Tribological principles directly influence lubricant selection for gearboxes, bearings, and guides. An incorrectly selected oil or grease can lead to mixed friction, increased wear, and failure. Modern synthetic lubricants leverage tribological insights to simultaneously minimize friction, wear, and energy consumption.